This was one of the better races of the year, and a pity that BCL was injured and not able to take part. The track was running fast, with a gentle tailwind. Orbison and Galileos Galaxy made the most of their low weights, and got away from the field. GG looks to be back to his best, and if he ran to his 106 rating, then Orbison improved to 111. Pocket Power ran a game race in defeat. At 400m he moved up dangerously, but didn't have the speed on the day to win, and the front 2 were not stopping. He still ran a decent race at the weights-about 114, which is actually what he has been running to for the past year. Bold Silvano was given too much to do in the straight, and got going too late, but still ran well enough, although a few lbs below his rating of 112. The rest were well beaten, and their runs best ignored for rating purposes. The race confirmed again the strength of the 3yo colt crop, and that PP is still just about the best middle distance horse in training despite his age.Those calling for his retirement may be surprised to see him still quite possibly win a 5th Queens Plate.Noordhoek Flyer looked as if he needs a rest. Smart Banker seems to be a Turfontein specialist, and Rudra ran a poor race at the weights.
I hope the handicapper doesn't make the same mistake as with the Challenge, and use the 3rd or 4th horses as line horses. This would push Orbison to a ridiculous 115, and GG to 110.
I can't see PP winning the July off a 119 MR, as in my opinion he hasn't run to that rating for some time, and BCL also will struggle off 116. Aslan and River Jetez are well treated off 107 and 106, while the 3yos are still possibly improving. A great July lies ahead.
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